No sound unheard: ROCCAT starts shipping Kave XTD 5.1 Digital

2013


Hamburg, 31 January 2014 – ROCCAT™ Studios, German manufacturer of high-quality gaming peripherals, today announces the availability of the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital gaming headset in Europe and North America. The true 5.1 gaming headset is the flagship version of the new Kave XTD series. The Kave XTD 5.1 Digital builds upon the foundations laid by the original Kave headset, rebuilding it from the ground up and adding impressive innovations of its own, all the while refining the tried and tested feature set that made the original such a success. 

Smart improvements for smart gamers
The Kave XTD 5.1 Digital includes a fully-equipped desktop remote with a built-in premium 5.1 sound card. Also included in the feature-packed remote is ROCCAT Smart Link, a patented technology which lets users pair their smartphone to the remote via Bluetooth, allowing them to make and receive calls through the headset while gaming. ROCCAT solved two problems here: you don’t get on your team’s nerves making strange noises while you try and talk to somebody on the phone with your headset still on. Plus, nobody will be able to hear what you are saying on the phone, because whatever chat software you were using gets muted once you pick up the call.  The rear side of the remote boasts 5.1 speaker ports, letting users hook-up their existing speaker system to remote and easily toggle between headset and speaker output. That means no more crawling under the table to re-plug in audio cables. The remote is completed by comprehensive headset and system audio controls.

Supreme surround sound and comfy build
Like the original Kave, the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital provides true, rich 5.1 surround sound, but with enhanced componentry. With three driver units per earcup aligned at a 12° angle, the headset delivers an immersive and crisp sound. The headset comes with a completely reworked head band and, compared to the original Kave 5.1, weighs 25% less. At the same time new materials and engineering solutions make the headset very robust and comfortable to wear – suitable for hours of gaming. The detachable microphone has been redesigned, keeping smart details like the mute LED while improving on reliability as well as sound quality.

The Kave XTD 5.1 Digital was nominated for the “Best Hardware” award at Gamescom 2013.

The Kave XTD 5.1 Digital gaming headset is available now for 169,99 Euro.

Links:

About ROCCAT Studios 
Founded in 2007 in Hamburg, Germany, ROCCAT Studios produces innovative, high-quality products for today’s ambitious computer gamer. Always operating in close collaboration with the gaming community, the company’s advanced input devices, headsets and accessories offer extreme precision, first-class ease-of-use and unique, eye-catching design. ROCCAT™ entered the scene with its Kone gaming mouse – a high-performance device that still ranks as one of the world’s premier gaming peripherals. A long list of international awards attests to the ingenious design and world-class quality of ROCCAT products.
 

Press: Crytek - Warface returns at Gamescom 2013

2013

Frankfurt am Main, Germany - August 13th, 2013 – Crytek will once again be attending the gamescom expo in Cologne this year, giving players a chance to go hands-on with their free-to-play military shooter, Warface.

The convention takes place from August 21-25 in the Cologne Exhibition Centre, where Crytek will be inviting players to step into a scale model Chinook helicopter and sample Warface’s team-based co-operative and competitive game modes. Gamescom visitors can come and test their mettle on the frontline, at the Warface booth in Hall 7.1, area A 031. For business visitors attending the show, Crytek’s business booth can be found in Hall 4.1, area A 037.

Warface will return in time for gamescom for a new closed beta testing phase from August 21, meaning players in North America, Europe and Turkey will be able to enjoy top quality FPS action online via GFACE. The game boasts a constantly updated universe that offers new challenges every day, as well as action-packed gameplay featuring four distinct soldier classes. Team-based abilities and extensive customization options add to the fun, making Warface a unique experience whether you’re jumping in for a quick play session or immersing yourself over a longer period. Registrations for the next closed beta phase are still open and interested players can apply for it at www.warface.com.

Warface isn’t the only Crytek game that will be on show at gamescom 2013. Its upcoming Xbox One exclusive, Ryse: Son of Rome, will also be featured at the Microsoft booth in Hall 5, area C 040. Business visitors can find Microsoft’s business center in Hall 5, area C 030.




About Crytek GmbH
Crytek GmbH (“Crytek”) is an independent company at the forefront of the interactive entertainment industry, and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gaming by creating standout experiences for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3, PC, mobile devices and games-as-service using their cutting-edge 3D-Game-Technology, CryENGINE®.

The company’s headquarters are in Frankfurt am Main (Germany). Crytek also has studios in Kiev (Ukraine), Budapest (Hungary), Sofia (Bulgaria), Seoul (South Korea), Nottingham (UK), Shanghai (China), Istanbul (Turkey) and Austin (USA).

Since its foundation in 1999, Crytek has consistently been recognized for excellence in its field, earning accolades such as the 2011 Develop Award for Best Independent Studio, and two Red Dot Design Awards (in 2010 and 2013). Its multi-award winning games include Far Cry®, Crysis® (awarded best PC Game of E3 2007 and Best Technology at the 2008 Game Developers Choice Awards), Crysis Warhead® (awarded Best Graphics Technology at IGN Best of 2008 Awards), Crysis® 2 (awarded Best Shooter of E3 2010 and Gamescom 2010), Crysis® 3 and Warface (awarded Best Social/Casual/Online Game of Gamescom 2012). For more information,please visit www.crytek.com.

Ubisoft E3 trailers

2013

After an amazing presentation by Ubisoft on E3, with some great announcements for the upcoming months.
We found some trailers for you, that probably will make you want to buy those games as soon as possible, and we feel the same way.

Watch_Dogs

Watch_Dogs is a breathtaking game, with a completely new look at the hacking genre in games. For sure a game that everyone should try!


Assassin's Creed IV - Black Flag

Assassin's Creed IV - Black Flag, fourth game in the series of assassin's games, this time as a pirate, with much more on ship gameplay than in Assassin's Creed III, how could this not be a great follow-up?


Splinter Cell - Blacklist

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist is the sixth installment of the Splinter Cell series, and will act as a Splinter Cell: Conviction. A game we will be interested in, even though we are a bit sceptic, as we've never been much into the series.

Tomb Raider - Review

2013
We have finally got the chance to try out the newest game in the Tomb Raider franchise. It have been very joyful to play even though I have to admit that I've never been playing any of the other games. Made by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix it looks very promising.

We just have to warn you that there might be some spoilers, but we'll try to keep them as few as possible.
There won't be anything about the multiplayer part of the game.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Tomb Raider 2013 is much like Far Cry 3.


I started my Tomb Raider journey by being on some science tour with a bunch of friends, but suddenly the ship wrecked, and everyone was stranded on this island that turns out to be unknown for most people, and the goal for the explorers. On the island there is some bad guys trying to kill the team, because they don't want anyone to get away from the island, at least not alive. The team get splitted apart and some kidnapped by the bad guys.

So as the girl Lara Croft, you have to fight your way around the island, against wolves, men, giants and more, doing whatever you can to survive untill you are able to get away from the island. Sometimes you meet some of the other persons, but you always get away from them because of problems and stupidity.

I did compare Tomb Raider to Far Cry 3 earlier, but in Far Cry there is a story, but you are still able to run around as you want to. In Tomb Raider you are more locked to the story, you can still run around, and catch food etc., but more limited than in other open world games.

You will regulary see both short and long cinematics and parts of the story that are made as video so you can't change it with your actions.

A cool thing about the game is the campfires where you can upgrade your survival skills, offensive skills and defensive skills. You can also upgrade your weapons so they do more damage, have increased fire rate, etc. etc. Which brings us to the next part, the weapons.

Throughout the game you'll find four weapons that you can upgrade and customize, as already said. Those four weapons are a bow, a pistol, an automatic rifle and a shotgun.
Other than that you will also find a bunch of tools including an axe that you can use to open chests, climb mountains and actually also fight with. A lighter and a torch is also some of the tools you will discover throughout the game.

The controlling of the game is very basic and feels natural, the only thing I miss is the possibility to sprint.
Clicking SHIFT will "just" make you dodge attacks.

Visual

The graphics in this version of Tomb Raider is amazing. I have yet to experience a graphical bug in the game. It's very realistic and it works really well in this game. Another cool thing is the effects, there is actual quite a bunch of those, for example the interactive menu, where it is raining and you are in a sea, when you click around, you'll be move to different scenes. It is hard to explain, you almost have to see it yourself, but it is cool nevertheless.

Advantages/Disadvantages

Advantages
  • Worked trough storyline
  • Great gameplay
  • Beautiful graphics
  • Easy controls
  • Cool effects
Disadvantages
  • No sprinting
  • A bunch of forced parts
  • Not much freedom

Final comment

Afterall Tomb Raider 2013 is a really great game and I have enjoyed lots of hours and there will hopefully be more to come! The graphics are really a big part of the game, so be sure to have a okay graphics card. This is mainly a game for people who likes adventures and lots of stories, maybe a bit for the FPS and MMO players, but again, you have to like the campaign and singleplayer mode as the multiplayer clearly haven't been much in focus at Crystal Dynamics.

Rating: 8/10
Price: 30€
Release: Out now
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Square Enix
Buy it: www.cdkeynexus.com (5% off with coupon code KINGAN)
Game Link: www.tombraider.com

Copenhagen Games - Our Experience

2013


We got invited by Ubisoft and Nadeo to Copenhagen Games 2013. Actually we have never been to an event for games, technology or eSports. So we took all the souvineers we could.
But before we tell about our experiences we just want to let you know what it is all about.

Copenhagen Games


SLAP.dk is Denmarks largest and oldest esports organizer, who since 1999 has executed online and offline gaming activities throughout the year. With fully booked gaming events around Denmark and even more online events, SLAP.dk and a team of more than a 100 dedicated volunteers have created a strong foundation and a unique knowledge of handling diffrent types of gaming events, from the the first creation of concept right until the venue is cleared.

The practical challenge is handled by all the volunteers, and we are financially secured by our partners and sponsors.

BACKGROUND
SLAP is a registered trademark.

Our annual activities includes:
  • 3 online tournaments in different games
  • 2 major gaming events
  • 2 minor gaming events
  • 2-3 sponsor events/tournaments
Besides that we support a lot of other eSport acitivities in different ways.
All together SLAP is one of the most active eSports organisations in Northen Europe.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a metropolis of international eSport, attracting the best players from all major esports continents.
Copenhagen Games must be associated with prestige and honor to participate in and win the games.
Copenhagen Games targets to be one of the 10 most important esports events worldwide.
Copenhagen Games will house, present and influence developments in the Danish digital game culture.
Copenhagen Games targets to be an internationally known and recognized brand which through eSport / gaming and new strong international media, creates growth and visibility of eSport in Copenhagen, Denmark.

GOAL
Eventhough, with all of our annual activities, we are the biggest and most active danish esports organisation, our goal is not to be the biggest sole event in Denmark.
With SLAP LIVE and Copenhagen Games we wish to develope, on a ongoing basis, Denmarks best gaming event including good atmosphere, a lot of activities and competetion.
Taken from Copenhagengames.com

Our experiences

We came a bit too early and stood in front of the entrance for quite a while in the snow. And our first
experience was that quite a lot of the gamers are smoking.
We went inside the Oeksnehallen and met with a guy called Jerome who is a French Game Developer for NADEO which is a part of the Ubisoft community and the makers of TrackMania and ShootMania. Shootmania was one of the games that they were playing at the Games, and that was the game we were getting some informations about.
So we started the day at Copenhagen Games off by getting developer informations and then we got the opportunity to play together with Jerome and then we were off to ourselves.
There were around five represented companies and three of them were ROCCAT, GameStop and Sennheiser. They were all giving out free keyhangers, candy and other small things, while they also ran competitions with big prizes. That was actually at thoe places we spent most of the time, as there weren't any matches at the stage. The gamers sat at their own computers around the hall and played, which wasn't easy to watch as guest.
That was a bit sad, but in the good end there was some livestreams going on at the eating area. There was a large scene in the middle of the hall, where mostly the Female CS:GO teams were playing. There was some large screens where you was able to see their screens, and they probaly had the biggest audience.

When we came to a stand named FONA, who was cooperating with razer, they had these competitions where you could get awesome razer gear almost for free.
You only had to bring your own mouse, and be lucky to be picked out of around 30 people, then it was just to pick up a hammer and destroy your mouse, and you would receive a Razer Taipei. We was so lucky that we got picked out, and Joachim took my mouse which was an perfect, and strong mouse. He laid it a the table, lifted the hammer and smashed it down on the mouse, firstly the mouse flew out to the audience. It happened two times, finally he managed to hit it in the right place. The mouse got completely destroyed.
Later on they did the same thing with headsets. Sadly we didn't manage to see that.

Another company called Komplett, which sponsors the danish eSport team Copenhagen Wolves, gave everyone at the expo the possibility to compete with Svenskeren, who is the jungler on the Copenhagen Wolves team.

And of course everyone was able to test the new games Bioshock Infinity and Starcraft: Heart of the Swarm.

And what did we think about it?

Copenhagen Games are a great expo and we really enjoyed our day there and will look into coming there next year, too. Everyone was friendly and that is important to us.

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